(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
WE ALL get it, sooner or later: a toothache. But why?
It all seems frustrating. We follow the rules, brush our teeth three times a day and, if possible, even after each and every meal.
We change our toothbrush every three months or so or when the brushes get frayed.
We gargle and use mouth rinse. We floss.
We avoid sugar as much as we can to avoid encouraging the growth of bacteria that produces acids that erodes teeth enamel and cause tooth decay.
Then we visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups.
And still… we get a toothache. Why?
India Bottomley, writing in LiveScience (a part of Future US, an international media group and digital publisher), answers the question by talking to Dr. David Rice, founder of igniteD0DS and a restorative and implant dentist in East Amherst, New York.
Dr. Rice cites a study published in the Journal of Dental Research showing that between 1990 and 2010, untreated cavities became one of the most common dental issues around the world. It may cause a toothache.
To avoid cavities, Dr. Rice recommends (and we agree) that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and use fluoride toothpaste.
Another reason to a toothache is fractured teeth caused by general wear and tear, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching. Fractured teeth can make chewing a painful experience. A fractured tooth can even be broken eventually.
(Do you know that a fractured tooth can be reattached? Save it properly. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), the UK’s department of health, recommends keeping the fragment of the tooth in milk or saliva then bringing it to the dentist as soon as possible; the dentist may be able to re-attach the piece of tooth.)
One cause of toothache is a dying tooth nerve found in the inner tooth pulp. Teeth that no longer receive adequate blood supply can damage the tooth nerve.
There may be other reasons. For example, Ms. Bottomley cites research published by the Australian Dental Association showing that a sinus infection or a very congested nose might cause pain in the teeth and jaw.
Not all toothaches deserve hospital attention.
According to the NHS, going to the hospital and its emergency service is usually reserved for emergency dental cases. This is true, for instance, if the toothache has persisted for more than two day or it is already unbearable that it affects your daily routine – or both. Of if the jaw or cheek gets swollen, you have fever, red gums, it is painful when one bites, or there is a bad taste in the mouth.
“Toothaches rarely go away. It’s best to see your dentist as soon as you can to determine what is causing the toothache, as well as how to correct it,” Dr. Rice says.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
